The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

TITLE:  The Firebird
AUTHOR:  Kearsley, Susanna
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  10/29/2014 - 11/17/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

My boyfriend fed my book addiction once more with this addition to my Susanna Kearsley collection.  So far, I've read The Winter Sea, and The Shadowy Horses, both of which were fantastic!

This one is about a girl with the ability to see the history of objects, and the stories of their owner, just by touching them.  I can't wait to get started!

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The Firebird is another triumph for Susanna Kearsley in the historical fiction genre.  This switches seamlessly between past and present to weave a tale of love, and courage through generations.  Nicola is a strong female main character, and I loved how old favorite characters from Kearsley's previous novels made appearances.

It was a lovely journey, and was another classic Susanna Kearsley novel.  If you haven't picked one up, I highly recommend it.

Will read and write soon!

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Horns by Joe Hill

TITLE:  Horns
AUTHOR:  Hill, Joe
GENRE:  Fiction/Thriller

DATES READ:  10/19/2014 - 10/29/2014

MY RATING:  3/5

I got this while I was out with my boyfriend, and I'm so excited to start reading it.  A young man wakes up after a night of hell raising, only to find out he's grown horns... and developed some special abilities...

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This book was entertaining, creepy, and eye opening.  It had some sad moments, and lovely complex characters.  Iggy Perrish is the ultimate anti-hero.  You cheer for him, pity him, and hope he finds peace after his love's untimely murder.

It's different from anything I've ever read, and had an excellent mixture of drama, wit, and thrills.  A fantastic tale of revenge!  It was the whole package!

Will read and write soon!

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

TITLE:  Gone Girl
AUTHOR:  Flynn, Gillian
GENRE:  Fiction/Thriller

DATES READ:  10/4/2014 - 10/15/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

I picked this one up while baby book shopping for a friend's newborn.  Looks thrilling!

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It's been a while since I've read a book that really caught me by surprise.  I loved and hated all of the main characters at the same time, which is awesome!  I found myself rooting for the both Amy and Nick for different reasons.  Did he kill his wife... didn't he...?  And who hasn't at one time tried to be "Cool Girl" to get a man's attention.

I know there is a film that was just released, and I personally think the casting was exceptional!  Ben Affleck fits my ideal Nick, butt chin and all!  And Amazing Amy look practically perfect in every way as Rosamund Pike.

This story was engaging, well planned, and executed impeccably.  A must for anyone who loves a good thriller.  It was indeed a thrill!

Will read and write soon!

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The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

TITLE:  The Lace Reader
AUTHOR:  Barry, Brunonia
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  9/25/2014 - 10/1/2014

MY RATING:  3/5

This is another selection that I picked up at the book sale for $1!!!  How can I lose?!

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What a strange story!  It was very well written, so I would love to read some of Brunonia Barry's other works.  I admit that, unfortunately, I figured out the "twist" about 100 pages from the end.  But I'm blaming it on the fact that I have recently seen a similar plot device used in a movie... because Barry executed it perfectly!

I'm glad that I read this anyway, because I've found a new author's voice, and I loved that it was set in Salem, MA.

Will read and write soon!

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Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

TITLE:  Voyager (Outlander #3)
AUTHOR:  Gabaldon, Diana
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  8/24/2014 - 9/24/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I'm giving it another book.  I want Jamie and Claire to be together!!!  The force is strong with these two...

This book was so much better than the second one, in my humblest of opinions.  It ends with such a promising set up for the next book and I cannot wait to read it!  And yet I can...

There's always so much drama!  So, again, I'll probably wait a while before I pull #4 off of my shelf.  But I have already purchased it and am looking forward to reading it very much.

As usual, these books are filled to the brim with drama, and exotic swashbuckling adventure.  Definitely recommended.

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

TITLE:  The Book of Life (All Souls #3)
AUTHOR:  Harkness, Deborah
GENRE:  Fiction/Supernatural

DATES READ:  7/30/2014 - 8/23/2014

MY RATING:  5/5

The final book of the All Souls trilogy!!!  I love these books.  I don't want them to end, but I'm about to dive right in!

I enjoyed this entire book (entire series for that matter), and love the ending.  It was equal parts action, adventure, romance, and suspense.  I adore Diana and Matthew, as always, but my favorite characters have become Fernando and Isabeau.  They are so multi-faceted and enjoyable to read.

The concept of a weaver and all of the science inter-mingled within the story kept it grounded, and particularly fascinated me.  I can only hope that Deborah Harkness will continue to write.  She creates stories that arouse the belief that there is magic in this world, if we would only open our eyes. 

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

TITLE:  Doctor Sleep
AUTHOR:  King, Stephen
GENRE:  Fiction/Horror

DATES READ:  7/15/2014 - 7/30/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

Starting something a little different from my usual reading.  I'm a little nervous because Kind has always scared me until I get nightmares.  But away we go!

This one definitely wasn't as scary as The Shining, but it was frightening in it's own way.  I liked the connections found down the Torrence family tree, including the generation bridging ability, anger, and alcoholism.  It felt raw and real, as Stephen King's writing often it.  Sometimes you can't escape your past.

King hit the nail on the head with the one.  The villains and horror aspects were chilling, and leave striking images that last in your mind long after you've turned the page.  This imagery was so beautiful, I can only hope they make a film some day that does this book justice.  Highly recommended!

Will read and write soon!

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City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

TITLE:  City of Heavenly Fire (Mortal Instruments #6)
AUTHOR:  Clare, Cassandra
GENRE:  Fiction/Fantasy

DATES READ:  6/6/2014 - 7/15/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I can't believe I am finally starting the LAST Mortal Instruments book.  What a day!  I hope it's wonderful like the rest of the series has been.

Oh my goodness.  I cannot believe I finished it.  I'm going to miss all of the characters.  But after completing two of Clare's series, I think I'm done.

I kind of grew up with these characters, and adored their personalities, but I don't relate to them as must as I did before.  Maybe it's just because I'm a little older... their decisions seem more brash and unrealistic than they did before.

But I still love them all and will hold these stories dear.  I was blessed to have stumbled across them and will constantly continue to recommend them!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley

TITLE:  The Shadowy Horses
AUTHOR:  Kearsley, Susanna
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/28/2014 - 6/6/2014

MY RATING:  5/5

This is another book I purchased for my mom (for Mother's Day this time!), and she's lent to me.  She says it's lovely and I trust her judgment absolutely.

I have to say, I adored this story!!!  I remember purchasing this because we read another book by Kearsley called The Winter Sea.  If you love a good yarn spun with romance, history, and a little magic, Susanna Kearsley is a no-brainer.

This book had a wonderful mix of all of those attributes, in addition to eerie majestic settings, and a history as shadowy as the aforementioned horses.  I often felt, as I was reading,, this I was curled up in a cozy leather chair, drinking cocoa, and chatting with each of the main characters.  I can't wait to read another of her stories!

Will read and write soon!

***Photo by B. Bumble***

Eva Moves the Furniture by Margot Livesey

TITLE:  Eva Moves the Furniture
AUTHOR:  Livesey, Margot
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/25/2014 - 5/28/2014

MY RATING:  2/5

I saved this book from a mystery stash of books our family received from a friend.  I hope it's promising because I'm still a little shaken by The Fault In Our Stars.  Here goes...

A book is always promising before you turn the first page.  This book turned out to be a little "meh".  I didn't really feel a high connection with the main character, which is huge for me.  However, I understood and was drawn to where she was coming from.

The pace was overall slow, and the themes strongly surrounded loneliness and maternal abandonment.  I was a little difficult to get through at times, but the author depicted all emotions well.  I loved the idea and addition of ghosts in this lonely girl's world.  I almost found them reminiscent of imaginary friends.

I would recommend this book for a rainy day, and a warm cup of tea or cocoa.

Will read and write soon!

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The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

TITLE:  The Fault In Our Stars
AUTHOR:  Green, John
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/24/2014 - 5/25/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

I saw the movie preview for this story, and have been curious about it for some time now.  I want to make sure to read it before seeing the movie, but it looks extremely sad... here goes!

Wow.  My heart is wrenched after reading this.  It takes a lot for a book to make my cry.  And John Green has succeeded.  This story is both beautiful and stirs emotions you didn't even know you had.  You will fall in love with both Hazel and Augustus.  Their story is fleeting, tragic, fragile, and infinite.

Breath-taking, and bittersweet.  Recommended if you don't mind a tear or twenty.

Will read and write soon!

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Fragment by Warren Fahy

TITLE:  Fragment
AUTHOR:  Fahy, Warren
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  5/12/2014 - 5/24/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

This book came highly recommended by my sister-in-law, so I'm going to give it a try.  The cover related it to Jurassic Park, which is a favorite of mine.  I guess we shall see...

And the verdict is... What a BLAST to read!!!  This book was a rip-roaring good time!  I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, even though they were plentiful and one-note.  What really sold me was the imaginative environmental.  The creatures were chilling and fascinating to read about (and definitely reminiscent of Jurassic Park!).

I loved how all of the theories mentioned throughout the book came together in the end.  Even with all of the initial chaos, everything has it's place, and everything is in its place.

I would highly recommend this book as well.  Notably for anyone who loves science, thrilling adventure, and surprised.  It definitely kept me guessing until the end!

Will read and write soon!

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Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

TITLE:  Lost Lake
AUTHOR:  Allen, Sarah Addison
GENRE:  Fiction

DATES READ:  4/22/2014 - 5/10/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I originally got this for my mom as a birthday present, and she just lent it to me after she finished.  In her words, "you have to read this".  And so I yield... :-)  I love sharing books.

I adored the plot of this story.  It was consistent with every Sarah Addison Allen book I've read (what can I say?  sometimes a write just rings true for you!).  I cared for each of the characters.  From Lisette, Elsy Pim (I mean her name, come on!!!), Selma, Buhladeen (again!), Wes, and Devin.  It's very rare for my to be able to keep so many characters resonating in my heart, and trust me... they're all there!  It's wonderful.

I fell in love with each character in his/her own way.  Mostly, the greatest character of all.  Lost Lake herself.

This is a book that will make you believe in second chances, and understanding in both love and loss.

Will read and write soon!

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Charming by Elliott James

TITLE:  Charming (Pax Arcana #1)
AUTHOR:  James, Elliott
GENRE:  Fantasy/Supernatural

DATES READ:  3/30/2014 - 4/22/2014

MY RATING:  2/5

I received this book from my sister-in-law for my birthday in 2013.  I can't believe I haven't picked it up until now.  Love the cover!!  I opened it and immediately got sucked into the story.

I'm not going to lie... there are quite a few cheesy/campy moments in this book.  Not an all-out cheese fest, but dangerously close.  I liked it overall, but when a book gets too "jokey", for lack of a better work, it's just not my style.

Sig was okay, but none of the characters seemed realistic at all.  I can appreciate this style of book, but it's not really my thing.  I would recommend this toward people who enjoy more sarcastic supernatural bits of fiction.  It's definitely for lovers of action, who enjoy the type of charm reserved for Ferris Bueller types who talk directly to the camera (reader).  A fun easy breezy read, just not my cup of tea.

Will read and write soon!

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Sutton by J.R. Moehringer

TITLE:  Sutton
AUTHOR:  Moehringer, J.R.
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  3/5/2014 - 3/30/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

This book was a birthday present from my mom this past year!  And I found out, throughout reading, that it's about a bank robber I heard of during my tour of Eastern State Penitentiary last year.  That made it even more fascinating for me!!!

It was a little difficult to get into the story because it constantly switches back and forth between past and "present" (a.k.a. late in the 1960's).  But once you get used to that, the story speeds along quite nicely.  I adore historical fiction and this book was a treat.  It made me more curious about Willie "the Actor" Sutton's life story, and how he got to his bank robber royalty status.  I loved the setting and the time period, and the characters were so fleshed out and real.

This is definitely a must for any historical fiction buff.

Will read and write soon!

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

TITLE:  The Book Thief
AUTHOR:  Zusak, Markus
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  2/5/2014 - 3/5/2014

MY RATING:  4/5

This book was a Christmas surprise from my mom.  The bigger surprise was that I had the same book waiting for her, all wrapped up under the tree (you would be amazed at how often we have done this).

Within The Book Thief, Zusak takes a difficult subject matter and molds it into something brilliant.  He presents it in a manner that is poetic and grimly beautiful; through the eyes of an innocent young girl, and through the eyes of someone who has much more experience with loss.  Very few books make me cry, and this one did.  I will forever adore the character of Hans Hubermann.

This book was truly touching.  I hope my mom reads it soon!

Will read and write soon!

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The Arrivals by Melissa Marr

TITLE:  The Arrivals
AUTHOR:  Marr, Melissa
GENRE:  Science Fiction/Fantasy

DATES READ:  1/19/2014 - 2/5/2014

MY RATING:  3/5

The book was lent to me by my brother and his wife with much commendation.  It had been sitting on my nightstand for sometime, so I finally decided to pick it up.

The setting of this book is odd, but both jarring and strong.  I felt completely transported to this desert world that felt completely alien.  It was disturbing at points, but mostly reminded me of my introduction to Star Wars.  Everything is new and strange, with shades of the familiar.

What really kept drawing me back to the pages was Melissa Marr's characters.  Some books out there will beat you to death with "bronze hair" and "piercing green eyes".  After a while, these repetitive descriptors become monotonous.  It was refreshing to have an author give more vague descriptions of her characters, and free your imagination to fill in the details of their appearance.

Will read and write soon!

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A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn

TITLE:  A Spear of Summer Grass
AUTHOR:  Raybourn, Deanna
GENRE:  Fiction/Romance

DATES READ:  12/31/2013 - 1/19/2014

MY RATING:  4.5/5

I received this book as a birthday present in 2013, and I loved the cover from the beginning.  Once I got into it, I could not put it down; I was constantly looking for excuses to read just another chapter.

I appreciated the overall plot, but it was the setting in Africa that sold it for me.  I could close my eyes after reading a chapter and instantly see, smell, and hear the African savannah.  It was truly a joy.

While I didn't always agree with the protagonist, Delilah, I understood and appreciated her.  All of the characters were so dimensional and well-developed.  I loved Ryder and Dodo, and all of the society high life.  But my heart lies with both Gideon and Tusker.  A perfect beach read!

Will read and write soon!

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